If you’re thinking about investing in a bespoke suit, one of your first questions might be ‘how long will it take to make?’ Understanding lead times is essential if you require a suit for a specific event or occasion. It’s important to enquire in time for your bespoke suit to be made and finalised.
The time it takes to craft a bespoke suit can vary depending on several factors, including the tailor’s schedule, the complexity of the design, the materials chosen, and the number of fittings required. Every detail, from the initial consultation to the final fitting, is part of a meticulous process that ensures a perfect fit and exceptional quality.
In this blog, the expert tailors at Phillip Alexander break down everything you need to know about bespoke suit lead times, so you can plan ahead with confidence.
How long does a bespoke tailored suit take to make?
On average, a quality, hand-crafted bespoke suit will take at least 12 weeks to make. This might sound like a long time, especially when compared to purchasing an off-the-peg suit from the high street. However, it’s important to remember that an authentic bespoke suit is handcrafted by a tailor with years of experience.
A bespoke suit involves a comprehensive initial consultation, during which your measurements are taken, and your preferences are selected. Then, your unique paper pattern is drafted, and the fabric is cut by hand and carefully stitched together to form your baste garment.
At your first fitting, you’ll try on your baste garment. Any adjustments are noted. The baste is then taken apart, corrected, and then reassembled into your finished bespoke garment. The bespoke tailoring process is rooted in tradition and shouldn’t be rushed.
Factors that can affect how long your bespoke suit takes
Several factors can affect how long your bespoke suit will take to make. For example, if you choose a specific cloth that your tailor doesn’t offer or have in stock, it may take time for your tailor to source this material.
Different tailors offer a range of lead times for their bespoke suits, which can vary depending on their process and availability. If it’s a busy time of year, this will affect the time scale of your suit, so you should always assume your bespoke suit will take the longest time stated (which could be up to 5 or even 6 months).
Although it might sound positive to find a tailor who offers a bespoke suit in a shorter time frame, you should be wary of this. A quality bespoke suit takes time, and a shorter lead time might be a sign that the tailor is cutting corners and the quality won’t be as good.
How long does a made-to-measure suit take to make?
If you don’t have time to wait for a bespoke suit, you might want to consider a made-to-measure one instead. These suits are typically made using a mixture of handcraft and machine work to produce a quality, well-fitting suit in a shorter time frame and at a lower price.
A high-quality, made-to-measure suit from a reputable tailor should take around 2 months to make. Some tailors offer made-to-measure suits in as little as 4 weeks, but these might be lower quality and have fewer customisation options.
How Phillip Alexander can help
With locations in Cheshire and Savile Row in London, Phillip Alexander offers a range of tailoring services, including bespoke suits, made-to-measure suits, and tailored suit hire. Whichever option you choose, our tailors will be on hand to guide you through the entire process, offering styling advice to help you look your best.
Book an in-person or telephone consultation to speak to one of our tailors.
